Most
avian influenza viruses do not infect humans and the meat from these animals is
safe for human consumption; however, it is recommended that people follow proper
sanitary precautions when handling birds. Wear latex or rubber gloves when
cleaning birds, washing hands with soapy water after cleaning, clean and
disinfect equipment and surfaces that came in contact with the bird, and cook
wild birds thoroughly before eating the meat. The US Department of Agriculture
recommends following sanitary handling procedures and cooking poultry to 165
degrees Fahrenheit.

Domestic
poultry owners should take precautions to keep wild birds out of
flocks.

The back of the chicken coop has a small yard that we usually use for teenage chicks we are transitioning from the brooder tub to the coop. It has netting over the top to discourage hawks other airborne predators. Because of the recent outbreak of Avian Influenza we have to be on the alert for wild birds mixing with our domestic flock. So our chickens are a captive lot. They are used to free ranging.